Liquid sampling valve

ABSTRACT

A liquid sampling system includes a liquid sampling valve for transferring a liquid sample from a primary stream to a secondary stream. The liquid sampling valve includes a rotor having a movable shuttle that is in selective fluid communication with the primary stream or the secondary stream. The rotor shuttle passes through a discharge station prior to completion of the valve cycle to discharge contaminants prior to re-exposure to the primary stream.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid analysis systems, and moreparticularly to a liquid sampling valve for transferring a liquid samplefrom a primary stream to a secondary stream for analysis of the liquidsample in the secondary stream.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A mixture of compounds, or analytes, can be separated by pumping themixture through a separating device such as a chromatographic columnusing a process known as liquid chromatography, a variant of which isknown as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The separationof the sample is caused by analytes having different affinity for thechromatographic packing material within the column. The separated sampleflows out of the chromatographic column continuously, but with theseparated analytes emerging from the column at different times. Theindividual compounds comprising the analyte may then pass throughvarious detection devices such as an ultraviolet light absorbancedetector, a mass spectrometer, a fluorescence detector and the like toassist in determining the composition of the sample. The analytes mayalso be delivered to a receiver where each analyte might be stored inseparate containers in a manner known as fraction collection. In somecases, a small amount of the column effluent may be directed to theinlet of another sample analysis device, such as a mass spectrometer tofurther analyze each individual analyte. The delivery of at least aportion of the column effluent to a further liquid analysis device isreferred to as “second dimension” analysis, and is commonly employed incomplex liquid analysis.

An example application for two dimensional liquid analyses is in thepurification of a synthesized compound during the development of a newdrug. Often, the products of the synthesis include the desiredsynthesized compound (with a known molecular weight), reactants and sideproducts, all of which are analytes in the synthesis sample. In thisexample, a “first dimension” analysis carries out analytical orpreparative scale separation, such as through an HPLC column, with adedicated detection means such as a high flow rate refractive indexdetector or an ultraviolet light detector monitoring column effluent. A“second dimension” analysis may preferably utilize a second, separateflow path to capture a portion of the column effluent and direct theflow to a secondary analysis device, such as a mass spectrometer. Suchcombined instruments in a “two-dimensional” arrangement are becomingincreasingly used to extend the understanding of the purity of compoundsin a liquid scale.

For a second-dimension analysis device, such as a mass spectrometer, tofunction optimally, a controlled low mass rate of the eluent from thefirst dimension HPLC column containing the analyte should be delivered.Such mass or flow rates should be easily adjustable and closelycontrollable despite variations in the flow rate of the first dimensionsystem. The flow rate should be reproducibly controlled, whichfacilitates second-dimension identification of the purity of an elutingpeak of the desired synthesized compound to allow the collection of pureanalyte in individual fractions. An experienced analyst may select adesired carrier fluid to transfer the analyte into the second-dimensiondetector, which second dimension carrier fluid may be different from themobile phase used to perform the first-dimension preparative separationof the synthesized compound. Certain mobile phase fluids used to performchromatographic separations may contain dissolved buffer salts which cancause fouling of a different second dimension analysis device such as amass spectrometer, and certain organic components of the mobile phasecan inhibit optimum ionization of the analytes which is required in amass spectrometer. Proper selection of the carrier solvent reduces theeffect on the mass spectrometer of the first-dimension analyte-mobilephase being transferred into the mass spectrometer. In addition, theanalyte mass transfer rate into the mass spectrometer should be small,and generally should be a small fraction of the total analyte flow ratein the first dimension. A large mass rate to a mass spectrometer canresult in a lingering or tailing signal that distorts the results of amass spectrometer, and a large mass rate can change the dielectricproperties of the system and cause a momentary loss of signal.

Some forms of secondary analysis devices may be better suited forreceiving inlet flow at a rate that is significantly less than the flowrate typically passed through an HPLC separation column. Although modernmass spectrometers are designed with sample introduction systems whereinthe flow rate of the inlet mobile phase can be as much as severalmilliliters per minute, such mass spectrometers utilize expensive highvolume turbo molecular pumps and high volume roughing pumps to handlethe large solvent loads. Reducing inlet flow rate can reduce oreliminate the need for such expensive equipment, and may also facilitatesuperior second dimension analysis. A desired approach, therefore, forsecond dimension liquid analysis is to supply only a representativeportion of the first dimension flow to the second dimension analysisdevice. An example conventional mechanism for diverting a smallfractional volume of analytes from a first dimension analysis system isshown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,890,489, and 7,575,723, assigned to the sameassignee as in this application, and incorporated herein by reference.

Conventional “mass rate attenuators” or flow diversion apparatustypically do not permit sustained, continuous flow of a secondaryanalysis stream to a second dimension analysis device, which may beharmful to sensitive analysis equipment, such as in mass spectrometers.Moreover, conventional devices employ a “back and forth” switchingmechanism transferring the analyte from the first dimension analysis tothe secondary flow stream for the second dimension analysis, and thenreturning the carrier fluid flowing in the secondary flow stream backinto the first dimension effluent. Returning the second dimensioncarrier liquid to the first dimension flow can contaminate the firstdimension flow, which can frustrate efforts to obtain separated andpurified analytes in the first dimension effluent.

It would therefore be of value to provide a device that is capable ofseparating out a very small closely controlled portion of a larger firstdimension stream, and divert that portion along a secondary path withoutreturning any portion of the flow from the second dimension to the firstdimension flow stream.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By means of the present invention, measured samples from a first liquidstream may be transferred to a second liquid stream for analysis of themeasured samples carried in the second liquid stream. A liquid samplingvalve, which performs the sample transfer, is arranged to mitigate oreliminate contamination of the first liquid stream with carryback fromthe second liquid stream. The liquid sampling valve of the presentinvention a includes discharge function for flushing or rinsing out aleftover volume of the second liquid stream in a sample shuttle prior toreturning the sample shuttle into fluid communication with the firstliquid stream. The liquid sampling valve of the present invention isalso arranged for 360° rotation about an axis of rotation, whichenhances rotor actuator and valve component life span in comparison toconventional back and forth switching mechanisms.

A liquid sampling valve of the present invention includes a statorhaving a stator face, a primary stator passage extending along a primarypath through the stator and opening to the stator face through a firstprimary port, an inlet secondary stator passage extending along asecondary path through the stator and opening to the stator face througha first port, an outlet secondary stator passage extending along thesecondary path through the stator and opening to the stator face througha second port, an inlet discharge passage extending along a dischargepath through the stator and opening to the stator face through a thirdport, and an outlet discharge passage extending along the discharge paththrough the stator and opening to the stator face through a fourth port.The liquid sampling valve further includes a rotor having a rotor facein fluid-tight contact with the stator face at an interface. The rotorface includes a shuttle that is configured to receive a liquid aliquotin fluid communication with the interface. The rotor is rotatable withrespect to the stator about an axis of rotation to sequentially move theshuttle into a plurality of circumaxially spaced stations. A firststation aligns the shuttle in fluid communication with the primary pathat the first primary port, and a second station aligns the shuttle influid communication with the secondary path at the first and secondports. A third station aligns the shuttle in fluid communication withthe discharge path at the third and fourth ports.

A liquid sampling system of the present invention includes the liquidsampling valve described above, as well as a primary stream supplydelivering a primary stream to the primary stator passage along theprimary path, and a secondary stream supply delivering a secondarystream to the inlet secondary stator passage along the secondary path. Aliquid sampling system further includes a discharge stream supplydriving a discharge from the liquid sampling valve.

A method for transferring a liquid sample from a primary stream to asecondary stream for analysis of the liquid sample in the secondarystream includes providing a liquid sampling valve having a stator with astator face, a primary stator passage extending along a primary paththrough the stator and opening to the stator face. The stator furtherincludes an inlet secondary stator passage extending along a secondarypath through the stator and opening to the stator face, an outletsecondary stator passage extending along the secondary path through thestator and opening to the stator face, an inlet discharge passageextending along a discharge path and opening to the stator face, and anoutlet discharge passage extending along the discharge path and openingto the stator face. The liquid sampling valve further includes a rotorhaving a rotor face in fluid-tight contact with the stator face, whereinthe rotor face includes a shuttle. The liquid sample transfer methodincludes delivering the primary stream along the primary path throughthe primary stator passage to fill the shuttle with the liquid sample,and rotating the rotor about an axis of rotation to bring the shuttleinto fluid communication with the inlet and outlet secondary statorpassages, and out of fluid communication with the primary statorpassage. The method continues by delivering the secondary stream alongthe secondary path to transport the liquid sample with the secondarystream out from the shuttle from the outlet secondary passage, androtating the rotor about the axis of rotation to bring the shuttle intofluid communication with the inlet and outlet discharge passages, andout of fluid communication with the inlet and outlet secondary statorpassages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a transfer module of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a liquid sampling valve of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2B is an end elevational view of the liquid sampling valveillustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is an isolation view of a stator component and a transparentrotor component of the liquid sampling valve illustrated in FIGS. 2A and2B;

FIG. 2D is an isolation exploded view of a stator component and a rotorcomponent of the liquid sampling valve illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of a stator component of a liquidsampling valve of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the stator componentillustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a liquid sampling valve of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional exploded view of a stator component and arotor component of a liquid sampling valve of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an isolation elevational view of a rotor component of a liquidsampling valve of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a stator component of a liquid samplingvalve of the present invention, with the stator shown as transparent tovisualize the internal fluid passages in the stator component;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a liquid sampling valve of the presentinvention with the stator and rotor components being transparent tovisualize the internal fluid passages in the stator and rotorcomponents;

FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of an alternate stator component of aliquid sampling valve of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an end elevational view of an alternate rotor component of aliquid sampling valve of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a two dimensional liquid analysissystem employing a liquid sampling system of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a two dimensional liquid analysissystem employing a liquid sampling system of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a representative ultraviolet detector trace analyzingtransferred liquid samples in a secondary liquid stream carrier, whereinthe samples are supplied to the secondary stream through a liquidsampling valve of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a schematicillustration of a liquid sampling system 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Asdescribed above, a common application for liquid sampling system 10 isin the transfer of a liquid sample from a primary stream 12 to asecondary stream 14, such as in a multi-dimensional liquid analysissystem. Liquid sampling system 10 employs a liquid sampling valve 16 toperform the liquid sample transfer from primary stream 12 to secondarystream 14. A first dimension system 18 acts as a primary stream supplyto liquid sampling valve 16, and may include at least a liquid pump forflowing first dimension liquid through liquid sampling valve 16, and, insome embodiments, to a first dimension analyzer 20. In addition to aliquid pump, first dimension system 18 may include an analyte separationmechanism, such as a liquid chromatography column for separating a firstliquid into analytes within primary stream 12. First dimension system 18may additionally include a chromatographic detector to sense thepresence of analytes within primary stream 12. In some embodiments,first dimension analyzer 20 may include a fraction collection system tocollect individual analytes of the primary stream 12 by fractionation.

Secondary stream 14 may be supplied to liquid sampling valve 16 forcapture of a transferred liquid sample from primary stream 12, andtransport to a second dimension analyzer 22 by a second dimensioncarrier supply 24. Typically, second dimension carrier supply 24 acts asa secondary stream supply with a second liquid pump pumping thesecondary stream from a liquid reservoir through liquid sampling valve16. In typical embodiments, the transport of the transferred liquidsample into second dimension analyzer 22 (i.e. a mass spectrometer) isaccomplished by secondary stream 14 that is distinct from primary stream12. In this manner, liquid sampling valve 16 transfers a liquid samplefrom primary stream 12 to a distinct secondary stream 14 that ismotivated by second dimension carrier supply 24.

In order to mitigate or eliminate contamination of primary stream 12with secondary stream 14, a moving shuttle of liquid sampling valve 16may be rinsed or otherwise discharged of its payload from secondarystream 14 prior to returning to fluid communication with primary stream12. Liquid sampling system 10 may therefore include a discharge streamsupply 26 for driving a discharge output 28 from liquid sampling valve16. The driving force for discharge output 28 may be in the form of adischarge stream 30 applied along a discharge path, or may instead be avacuum applied along the discharge path to withdraw secondary stream 14from the rotor shuttle payload prior to the rotor shuttle returning tofluid communication with primary stream 12. To supply discharge stream30, discharge supply 26 may include a third liquid pump for pumping athird liquid through liquid sampling valve 16 along the discharge path,wherein the third liquid is different from the second liquid ofsecondary stream 14.

An embodiment of liquid sampling valve 16 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D,including a stator 32, and a rotor 34 driven by an actuator 35, such asa stepper motor, to be rotatable with respect to stator 32 about an axisof rotation 36. Rotor 34 is mounted in valve 16 in fluid-tight contactwith stator 32 at in interface 38 so that fluid is permitted to passbetween stator 32 and rotor 34 without leakage outside of valve 16.

Stator 32 includes a stator face 42 that is configured for sealingengagement with rotor face 44 of rotor 34. In some embodiments, statorface 42 and rotor face 44 may be substantially planar, and placed intosealing engagement with one another through an external mounting kit(not shown). Stator 32 further includes a primary stator passage 46extending along a primary path 48 through stator 32 and opening tostator face 42 through a first primary path port 50. An inlet secondarystator passage 52 extends along a secondary path 54 through stator 32and opens to stator face 42 through a first port 56. An outlet secondarystator passage 58 extends along secondary path 54 through stator 32, andopens to stator face 42 through second port 60. An inlet dischargepassage 62 extends along a discharge path 64 through stator 32, andopens to stator face 42 through a third port 66. An outlet dischargepassage 68 extends along the path 64 through stator 32, and opens tostator face 42 through a fourth port 70. In some embodiments, an inletsweep passage 72 extends along a sweep path 74 through stator 32, andopens to stator face 42 through a fifth port 76. Moreover, an outletsweep passage 78 may extend along the sweep path 74 through stator 32,and may open to stator face 42 through a sixth port 80.

The passages described above are fluidic passages that provide for thepassage of fluids through stator 32. Typically, such passages may beprovided in sets, such as in groups of at least two, with an inletpassage and an outlet passage grouped for the conveyance of a respectivefluid therethrough. It is contemplated, however, that at least primarystator passage 46 may be provided in a set of at least one passage,wherein separate inlet and outlet passages for a particular fluidconveyance is not required.

The sets of fluidic passages coordinate with one or more shuttles 82 inrotor face 44 of rotor 34 to receive a liquid aliquot in fluidcommunication with interface 38. Rotor 34 is rotatable with respect tostator 32 about axis of rotation 36 to sequentially move shuttle 82 intoa plurality of circumaxially spaced stations in fluid alignment withrespective fluidic passage sets. A primary stator passage set 84 mayinclude primary stator passage 46 and an outlet primary stator passage86 extending along primary path 48 through stator 32 and opening tostator face 42 through a second primary path port 88. A secondary statorpassage set 90 includes inlet and outlet secondary stator passages 52,58, and is preferably circumaxially spaced from primary stator passageset 84 at stator face 42. A discharge passage set 92 may include inletand outlet discharge passages 62, 68, and may be circumaxially spacedfrom each of primary and secondary stator passage sets 84, 90 at statorface 42. A sweep passage set 94 may include inlet and outlet sweeppassages 72, 78 and may be circumaxially spaced from each of primarystator passage set 84, secondary stator passage set 90, and dischargepassage set 92 at stator face 42. The locations of each passage set 84,90, 92, 94 may preferably define a station at stator face 42, whereinshuttle 82 may be moved with the rotation of rotor 34 from alignmentwith one station to the next. In some embodiments, rotor 34 is rotatable360° about axis of rotation 36 so as to be sequentially brought intoaxial alignment with each of the stations defined by passage sets 84,90, 92, 94 in stator face 42.

As shown in FIGS. 8-9, the fluidic passages extend through stator 32 asa bore of appropriate dimension to permit the conveyance of fluids, suchas those fluids commonly employed in chromatographic systems. FIGS. 8-9illustrate stator 32 as transparent to visualize the fluidic passagesextending through stator 32. The passages may be linear or non-linear,and extend away from stator face 42 to respective fluidic connections 96fluidly coupling valve 16 to liquid sampling system 10. A typicalfluidic connection 96 may include a nut and ferrule arrangement that isknown to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments of the invention, the respective fluid passages ofone or more of passage sets 84, 90, 92, 94 may be fluidly connected toform a continuous fluid channel along the respective fluid path throughstator 32 to interface 38 along a first leg, and then from interface 38back through stator 32 along a second leg of the fluid path. Such afluid connection among the fluidic passages in a given passage setpermits continuous fluid flow along the respective fluid path whenstator face 42 is sealed to rotor face 44, regardless of the circumaxialposition of shuttle 82. It has been determined that a second dimensionchromatographic analysis may be benefitted with continuous flow of atleast secondary stream 14 to second dimension analyzer 22. Benefits mayalso be derived from continuous flow of primary stream 12 through liquidsampling valve 16. Mass spectrometers, which are commonly utilized assecond dimension analyzers 22, are susceptible to inaccurate analysis,and possibly damage, in a discontinuous feed flow regime. Therefore, itis desirable to supply second dimension analyzer 22 with a continuousflow of secondary stream 14. To do so, however, secondary stream 14 mustpass through liquid sampling valve 16 continuously, regardless of theposition of shuttle 82 in rotor face 42. When shuttle 82 is betweenstations on stator face 42, rotor face 44 acts as a block to fluidpassage at interface 38. Shuttle 82 is therefore provided to establish afluid connection at interface 38, as well as to transport a liquidaliquot from one station to the next. One approach for establishing afluid connection among respective fluid passages in a passage set in theabsence of shuttle 82 is the provision of a bypass channel in stator 32fluid connecting respective fluid passages. An example embodiment isillustrated in FIG. 4, wherein a primary bypass channel 98 is disposedin stator 32 to fluidly connect primary stator passage 46 to outletprimary stator passage 86. A secondary bypass channel 100 is likewiseprovided in stator 32 to form a fluid connection between inlet andoutlet secondary stator passages 52, 58. A discharge bypass channel 102may be provided in stator 32 to form a fluid connection between inletdischarge passage 62 and outlet discharge passage 68. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4, no bypass channel is provided for sweep passageset 94. However, it is contemplated that a sweep bypass channel 104 maybe included for sweep passage set 94 to establish a fluid connection instator 32 between inlet and outlet sweep passages 72, 78. It is to beunderstood that any, all, or none of the fluid passages within any, all,or none of passage sets 84, 90, 92, 94 may have a fluid connection instator 32, such as with respective bypass channels 98-104. The purposeof bypass channels 98-104, as described above, is to establish, instator 32, a fluid connection among respective fluid passages. It iscontemplated that bypass channels 98-104 may be of any appropriate sizeor configuration to suitably permit bypass fluid flow between respectivefluid passages, and along a respective fluid path. Bypass channels98-104 may, for example, be grooves in stator face 42 extending betweenrespective ports of the fluid passages. In such an embodiment, thebypass channel may be open to interface 38, but enclosed by rotor face44. In other embodiments, one or more of bypass channels 98-104 may befully enclosed within stator 32. The channel widths “W” are shown invarying degrees in FIG. 4, representative of example widths relative torespective ports at stator face 42. Channel widths “W” may be between5-100% of the diameters of the corresponding ports of the respectivefluid passages being fluidly connected by the bypass channels. In someembodiments, therefore, bypass channel widths “W” may be between 5-39mils (125-750 micrometers). A fluid connection between respective fluidpassages may be formed in stator 32 at a merge region merging therespective fluid passages. Preferably, such merge regions may be at ornear stator face 42, and in fluid connection with interface 38. In suchembodiments, no distinct bypass channel is required to establish a fluidconnection in stator 32 between respective fluid passages.

Passage sets 84, 90, 92, 94 are preferably circumaxially spaced apartabout axis of rotation 36 by respective circumaxial spacing dimensionsX₁-X₄. It is contemplated that such circumaxial spacing dimensions X₁-X₄may be equal or inequal, but are each preferably greater than acorresponding length dimension N₁ of shuttle 82 in rotor 34. Preferably,each of circumaxial spacing dimensions X₁-X₄ are greater than shuttlelength dimension N₁ to an extent sufficient to prevent cross-flowbetween adjacent passage sets 84, 90 92, 94 as shuttle 82 is beingrotated from alignment with a first station to a second station. Forexample, shuttle 82 may be initially positioned at a first station inalignment with primary stator passage set 84 to receive a liquid aliquotof primary stream 12. To transfer such liquid aliquot to secondarystream 14, rotor 34 is rotated about axis of rotation 36 with respect tostator 32 so that shuttle 82 is moved from the first station to a secondstation in alignment with secondary stator passage set 90. Secondarystream 14 traveling along secondary path 54 then acquires the liquidaliquot of primary stream 12 from shuttle 82 while at the secondstation. It is desired that volumes of the liquid aliquot be sampledinto secondary stream 14 at known time intervals for analysis purposes.Therefore, shuttle 82 preferably does not provide a fluid communicationlink between respective distinct passage sets, such as primary statorpassage set 84 and secondary stator passage set 94, as it is rotatedbetween respective stations. Otherwise, fluid flowing at a first passageset would be able to pass into the fluid flowing at another passage setwhile shuttle 82 is in route between stations. At some point during thetravel of shuttle 82 between such stations, therefore, shuttle 82 shouldbe in fluid communication with neither of the distinct passage sets.FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an intermediate rotor positionwith respect to stator 32 wherein shuttles 82 a-82 d are each out of theflow path of any passage set 84, 90, 92, 94. In some embodiments,circumaxial spacing dimensions X₁-X₄ are each at least 0.25 millimetersgreater than shuttle length N₁. As will be described in greater detailhereinbelow, rotor face 44 may be provided with a plurality ofcircumaxially spaced shuttles 82 a-82 d, each having a shuttle lengthN₁-N₄, which may be equal or inequal. In such an embodiment, each ofcircumaxial spacing dimensions X₁-X₄ is preferably greater than thelargest of shuttle lengths N₁-N₄, to prevent cross-flow between anypassage sets 84, 90, 92, 94 during the rotatable operation of rotor 34.An example shuttle length N₁ is 1.5 millimeters, with the correspondingcircumaxial spacing dimension X₁-X₄ in stator face 42 being, forexample, at least 1.75 millimeters.

Passage set length dimensions Y₁-Y₄ of respective passage sets 84, 90,92, 94 are preferably substantially equal to, or slightly larger thanshuttle lengths N₁-N₄. It is contemplated that passage set lengths Y₁-Y₄may be equal or inequal, and may be determined by the designer perapplication.

Shuttles 82 a-82 d may be in the form of depressions in rotor face 44,and may be of equal or inequal volume. Example volumes defined withinshuttles 82 a-82 d may be between 10-1000 nanoliters, with the shapes ofshuttles 82 a-82 d being appropriate to effectively receive anddischarge liquid aliquots therefrom, as well as to establish andmaintain desired fluid flow characteristics when positioned at arespective station in alignment with a corresponding fluid passage set84, 90, 92, 94 of stator 32. It is contemplated that one or moreshuttles 82 may be provided in rotor face 44. The one or more shuttles82 a-82 d are movable with rotor 34 into a plurality of circumaxiallyspaced stations with the rotation of rotor 34 about axis of rotation 36.A first station aligns a shuttle 82 a in fluid communication withprimary path 48 at first primary path port 50. Rotating rotor 30 by apredetermined extent about axis of rotation 36 moves shuttle 82 a to asecond station aligning shuttle 82 a in fluid communication withsecondary path 54 at first and second ports 56, 60. Further rotation ofrotor 34 moves shuttle 82 a to a third station aligning shuttle 82 a influid communication with discharge path 64 at third and fourth ports 66,70. In some embodiments, further rotation of rotor 34 moves shuttle 82 ato a fourth station aligning shuttle 82 a in fluid communication withsweep path 74 at fifth and sixth ports 76, 80. In some embodiments, eachof the stations described above are separated by a 90° rotation aboutaxis of rotation 36, such that rotor 34 is rotated 360° about axis ofrotation 36 to cycle shuttle 82 a through sequential alignment withrespective passage sets 84, 90, 92, 94 at the circumaxially spacedstations. The cycle is repeatable through continued rotation about axisof rotation 36.

Though just one shuttle 82 a in rotor face 44 may fulfill the necessaryfunctions of liquid sampling valve 16, the rate of sampling of primarystream 12 may be such that sufficient time may not exist for a singleshuttle 82 a to transit through each of the designated stations. In anexample situation wherein one sample per second is to be taken fromprimary stream 12 to be transferred to second stream 14, a singleshuttle 82 a must be drive through each station in a total of onesecond, pausing at each station for a time sufficient to exchange theappropriate fluids. The limitations inherent therein may not permit asampling interval of one sample per second from primary stream 12 withonly a single shuttle 82 a. The rate of rotation of rotor 32 can,however, be significantly reduced with the provision of additionalshuttles 82 b-82 d. In the same example with a sampling interval of onesample per second, a rotor face 44 having four equally circumaxiallyspaced shuttles 82 a-82 d could accomplish the desired sampling ratewith a rotational rate of one revolution per four seconds (15 rpm). Thesignificantly slower rotational rate of rotor 34 permits longer dwelltimes at each distinct shuttle station in the valve cycle.

An alternative fluid passage set arrangement of the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 10, wherein stator 232 includes a stator face 242with passage sets 284, 290, 292, 294 in a modified orientationcircumaxially spaced about axis of rotation 236. A correspondingalternate arrangement for rotor 234 is shown in FIG. 11, with shuttles282 a-282 d in rotor face 244 having a similarly modified orientationabout axis of rotation 236. In this orientation, passage sets 284, 290,292, 294 may be circumaxially spaced apart by larger dimensions X₁-X₄than that illustrated in FIG. 4, so as to obtain greater sealing surfacebetween adjacent passage sets 284, 290, 292, 294. In this embodiment,each passage set includes a radially inward passage port and a radiallyoutward passage port, with respect to axis of rotation 236. An angularrelationship is therefore developed between respective ports in apassage set 284, 290, 292, 294 with reference to inner and outercircumferential boundaries 289, 299 passing through the respective innerand outer passage ports.

Liquid sampling valve 16 may accordingly be provided to periodicallytransfer a liquid aliquot from primary stream 12 to secondary stream 14,with typical primary stream sampling rates being between one sample eachfive seconds to one sample each 0.1 second. In the illustratedembodiment, a first shuttle 82 is positioned at a first station aligningshuttle 82 in fluid communication with primary path 48 at primary statorpassage set 84 to receive a liquid aliquot from primary stream 12 beingflowed along primary path 48. Shuttle 82 is filled with the liquidaliquot as a consequence of an appropriate dwell time of shuttle 82 atthe first station, along with a continuous flow of primary stream 12through primary stator passage set 82 along primary path 48. Once apredetermined dwell period, which is a fraction of a rotor cycle time,is elapsed, a stepper motor or the like is actuated to rotate rotor 34by a predetermined extent about axis of rotation 36 within a transferperiod. In the illustrated embodiment, the extent of rotation may be 90°to move shuttle 82 from the first station to a second station aligningshuttle 82 in fluid communication with the secondary path 54 atsecondary stator passage set 90. The transfer period may be assigned asnecessary for the application, and within the limits of the drivingforce rotating rotor 34, and may typically be less than about 0.1seconds. Preferably, the transfer period is substantially less than thedwell period of the rotor cycle to maximize the time for shuttle 82 ateach station in the cycle, thereby successfully transferring fluid toand from shuttle 82.

As shuttle 82 arrives at the second station in fluid communication withsecondary path 54 and secondary stator passage set 90, secondary stream14 being flowed along secondary path 54 flushes the liquid aliquotsample from shuttle 82 into secondary stream 14. In this manner, theliquid aliquot sample from primary stream 12 is transferred to secondarystream 14 for analysis at second dimension analyzer 22. Secondary stream14 carries the liquid aliquot sample from shuttle 82 through outletsecondary stator passage 58 along secondary path 54 out of liquidsampling valve 16, and beyond to second dimension analyzer 22, as shownin FIG. 1. In contrast to conventional liquid sampling valves, whichoperate a rotor through a back and forth switching path that results inthe flushing carrier fluid of secondary stream 14 in the rotor shuttleat the time of rotor switching being transported back into fluidconnection with primary stream 12, rotor 34 of the present invention isactuated to rotate shuttle 82 from the second station to a third stationin fluid communication with discharge path 64 at discharge passage set92. As shuttle 82 arrives at the third station, a discharge operationmay be applied to remove the volume of secondary stream 14 retained inshuttle 82 from the second station. As described above, it is desirableto avoid contamination of primary stream 12 with the carrier fluid ofsecondary stream 14. In one example discharge operation, a liquidcompatible with primary stream 12 may be utilized as a carrier fluid indischarge stream 30 to flush out the volume of secondary stream inshuttle 82 carried to the third station from the second station. In someembodiments, the carrier fluid of discharge stream 30 may be identicalto, or compatible with the solvent carrier fluid in primary stream 12carrying the analytes for analysis at first and second analyzers 20, 22.The dwell period at the third station is preferably sufficient to enabledischarge stream 30 to satisfactorily flush the secondary stream volumefrom shuttle 82 out through outlet discharge passage 68 to a wastecontainer.

Another discharge operation that may be employed at the third station isa pressurized gas flow as discharge stream 30 forcing the secondarystream volume to discharge from shuttle 82 under a positive gas pressureapplied through inlet discharge passage 62 to force the liquid volumeout through outlet discharge passage 68. A further example dischargeoperation may be in the application of a negative pressure, such as anapplied vacuum, applied to the secondary stream volume in shuttle 82 atthe third station through outlet discharge passage 68. In this case, thenegative pressure “withdraws” the liquid volume from shuttle 82, and isreplaced by ambient gas or other fluid supplied to inlet dischargepassage 62 along discharge path 64. In each of these cases, thesecondary stream volume is substantially discharged from shuttle 82prior to shuttle 82 being returned to fluid communication with primarystream 12 at the first station, thereby mitigating or eliminatingcontamination of primary stream 12 that typically occurs in conventionalliquid sampling valve apparatus.

In the illustrated embodiment, a fourth station is provided to whichshuttle 82 may be rotated for fluid communication with sweep path 74.Applicants contemplate that a sweep operation may be applied to shuttle82 subsequent to the discharge operation to further mitigate thepotential of contamination of primary stream 12 at the first station, aswell as to enhance the overall operation of liquid sampling valve 16. Anexample sweep operation includes supplying a pressurized gas, such as aninert gas or other gas compatible with primary stream 12, along sweeppath 74 through inlet sweep passage to push any residual dischargestream volume and/or secondary stream volume out from shuttle 82 throughoutlet sweep passage 78. Another sweep operation contemplated by thepresent invention is the application of a negative pressure to shuttle82 at the fourth station through outlet sweep passage 78 to “withdraw”the liquid contents of shuttle 82 when at the fourth station. Makeupfluid, such as ambient gas, or a supplied gas compatible with primarystream 12, may be permitted to flow along sweep path 74 through inletsweep passage 72 to replace the liquid volume so removed from shuttle 82at the fourth station.

Upon the expiration of a predetermined dwell period, rotor 34 isactuated to rotate about axis of rotation 36 to bring shuttle 82 fromthe fourth station to the first station, thereby completing a valvecycle. Preferably, rotor actuation is in a single rotational direction360° about axis of rotation 36. It has been found that unidirectionalrotation of rotor 34 with respect to stator 32 can enhance valvecomponent and motor life expectancies. However, it is to be understoodthat the present invention is not limited to unidirectional rotation ofrotor 34 with respect to stator 32, and that the shuttle stations neednot be in sequential order in a circumaxial direction about axis ofrotation 36. Liquid sampling valve 16 preferably includes at least threeshuttle stations, and may include more than the four stations describedin the illustrated embodiments. A primary feature of the liquid samplingvalve of the present invention, however, is at least one shuttle stationfor flushing and/or rinsing shuttle 82 to remove the liquid volume ofsecondary stream 14 from shuttle 82 prior to the return of shuttle 82into fluid communication with primary stream 12. The valve cycledescribed above may be referred to as “sampled, transferred, washed, anddried”. The station procedures described above may occur when a shuttle82 a-82 d is brought into fluid communication with a respective passageset 84, 90, 92, 94 at the corresponding shuttle station. Thus, a secondliquid aliquot sample may be filled into shuttle 82 d while the firstliquid aliquot sample previously filled into shuttle 82 a is transferredto secondary stream 14 at the second station. Moreover, a secondarystream liquid volume retained in shuttle 82 b may then be discharged asshuttle 82 b is brought into fluid communication with discharge stream30 at discharge passage set 92. Additionally, any remaining liquidvolume in shuttle 82 c may be swept by a sweep procedure at the fourthstation. In this manner, multiple simultaneous operations may beoccurring at liquid sampling valve 16 at any one time, particularlyduring the dwell periods of the valve cycle.

In typical embodiments, the dwell periods at each of the shuttlestations is equal, and the transfer period rotating shuttles 82 a-82 dbetween sequential stations may also be equal. However, such dwellperiods may be inequal, and such transfer periods may be inequal, asneeded or desired per the application.

The bypass channels 98, 100, 102, 104 described above permit continuousflow of the respective primary, secondary, discharge, and sweep streams,regardless of the relative rotational position of rotor face 44 withrespect to stator face 34. The only flow change occurs when shuttles 82a-82 d are rotated into a respective station, wherein stream flows passinto communication with such shuttles 82 a-82 d. It is also contemplatedthat a plurality of sampling stations and transfer stations, such asthat described above with respect to first and second stations, may beincluded in liquid sampling valve 16 of the present invention.

An example liquid sampling system 310 of the present invention involvesa two dimensional liquid chromatography system with transfer of a firstdimension sample into a second dimension HPLC system for orthogonalanalysis. A first dimension HPLC system 318 includes a sample source 318a, an HPLC column 318 b, and a chromatographic detector 318 c. Theeluting sample from chromatographic detector 318 c flows into liquidsampling valve 316 as a primary stream 312. Rotor 334 of liquid samplingvalve 316 may be operably rotated at a speed sufficient to sample eachpeak eluting from chromatographic detector 318 c at least three times,but preferably at least seven times. The rate of rotor rotation is thenrelated to the expected peak width in seconds for a peak eluting fromthe first dimension chromatographic detector 318 c. For example, achromatographic peak spanning seven seconds and eluting at one ml/min(17 μl/s) from the first dimension system 318 may preferably be sampledseven times (once per second). In an example embodiment in which eachshuttle 382 is configured to contain one microliter, the dwell period ateach shuttle station may be 58 milliseconds. In this example situation,therefore, liquid sampling valve 16 may be operated so that primarystream 312 is sampled once per second, with a dwell period at eachshuttle station of at least 58 milliseconds. Primary stream 312 nottransferred by a respective shuttle 382 flows along primary path 348through outlet primary stator passage 386 to waste 319. Upon theexpiration of the dwell period, rotor 332 is rotated 90° about axis ofrotation 336 to bring shuttle 382 to a second station into fluidcommunication with secondary stream 314 flowing along secondary path 354under the motivation of second dimension carrier supply 324, whichincludes a second dimension carrier fluid reservoir 324 a and a seconddimension carrier fluid pump 324 b. Secondary stream 314 carries theliquid aliquot sample from primary stream 312 along secondary path 354to a sample loop 381 of valve 383, which may be a multi-port valveconfigured as a dual-loop injector to second dimension HPLC system 322.

In the illustrated embodiment, second dimension HPLC system 322 includesan HPLC pump 385, dual-loop injection valve 383, chromatographicseparation column 322 a and detector 322 b, which may be a massspectrometer configured to perform a rapid separation. For comprehensivesampling of primary stream 312, sample loops 379 and 381 of valve 383are preferably sized to accommodate a secondary stream flow rate inmilliliters per minute in the time selected for the second dimensionchromatograph to be developed and the HPLC column 322 a and system to bere-equilibrated. In an example scenario in which one sample is takeneach second from primary stream 312, and the second dimension separationand re-equilibration occurs in 20 seconds, a total volume of 20microliters may be transferred from liquid sampling valve 316 to valve383. Therefore, a minimum flow rate of 20 microliters per 20 secondsfrom second dimension carrier pump 324 b is established. Computationalflow dynamics indicate that one microliter of liquid dilutes to twomicroliters during the flush out of shuttle 382 from liquid samplingvalve 316, a minimum flow rate for second dimension carrier pump 324 bmay become 40 microliters in 20 seconds for quantitative sample transferunder the above conditions. Such a flow rate causes sample to “stack” insequence between liquid sampling valve 316 and injector valve 383, asschematically represented by a detector trace 367. Sample loops 379, 381in this instance, may be sized to accommodate at least 40 microliters.Since a gradient may be preferred for the separation at second dimensioncolumn 322 a, it may also be desirable that the second dimension carrierbe a weak solvent for a second dimension column 322 a, and mostdesirably the same solvent as the weak solvent supplied to HPLC pumpingsystem 385. Upon the lapse of a dwell period permitting the transfer ofliquid aliquot sample of primary stream 312 into secondary stream 314,an additional 90° rotor rotation moves shuttle 382 into a third stationfor discharging fluid in shuttle 382 from second dimension carrierreservoir 324 a. Discharge supply 326 includes a discharge fluidreservoir 326 a and a discharge pump 326 b, with the discharge fluidpreferably being selected to be miscible with the components of thefluid contained within second dimension carrier fluid. In oneembodiment, at least five times the shuttle volume is flowed throughshuttle 382 during the dwell period while shuttle 382 is positioned atthird station. Discharge fluid is flushed along discharge path 364 towaste 365.

Rotor 334 of liquid sampling valve 316 may be further rotated to afourth station at which an applied vacuum evacuates material containedwithin flushed shuttle 382 from the third station. A vacuum pump 391acts to remove any volume of solvent remaining in shuttle 382 afterflushing with discharge stream 330. A flow restrictor 393 sufficientlylimits the flow rate of sweep stream 331 along sweep path 374 to enhanceevaporation of any solvent contained in shuttle 382 by lowering thepressure in 382 to near the vapor pressure of the discharge fluid.Moreover, gas flow at sweep stream 331 displaces any contents in shuttle382 to vacuum pump 391. When the flow of gas through flow restrictor 393is limited to a small percentage of the capacity of vacuum pump 391, apartial vacuum is developed within shuttle 382 at this fourth station.Upon valve rotation to the first station, the partial vacuum containedwithin shuttle 382 enhances the filling rate of liquid aliquot samplefrom primary stream 312 into shuttle 382. As illustrated in the diagramof FIG. 9, each of the passage sets 384, 390, 392, 394 may be associatedwith an individual distinct shuttle station. In the case where fourshuttles 382 a-382 d are provided in rotor face 344, each shuttle 382a-382 d is exposed in turn to each passage set 384, 390, 392, 394.

Another application of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 13for sampling the outlet of a high flow rate separation system, such asthat known as “flash chromatography”. Such a system may commonly beemployed wherein a sample, such as a pharmaceutical, is purified, andthe purified sample is collected. Liquid sampling system 410 includes afirst dimension system 418 having a mobile phase supply 418 a, aseparation column 418 b, and a detector 418 c. Separation column 418 bmay be a flash column wherein milligram to gram quantities of compoundsmay be separated into individual components to be collected byfractionation using a fraction collection system depicted at 419.Primary stream 412 may be passed through liquid sampling valve 416, andfurther to fraction collector 419. In the instance wherein the primarystream flow rate is too large to flow through either detector 418 c orliquid sampling valve 416 without causing excessive back pressure onseparation column 418 b, a stream splitter (not shown) may be installedupstream or downstream from detector 418 c. Upon the expiration of apredetermined dwell period to fill shuttle 482 with a liquid aliquotsample at a first station in fluid communication with primary stream412, a rotation of 90° of rotor 384 moves shuttle 482 to the secondstation, wherein second dimension carrier supply 424 motivates secondarystream 414 to flush the liquid aliquot sample from shuttle 482 intosecondary path 454 along secondary stream 414 to second dimensionanalyzer 422, which may be a mass spectrometer. Motivation of secondarystream 414 may be derived from a pump 424 b motivating second dimensioncarrier fluid from a reservoir 424 a. Transfer of one liquid aliquotsample into secondary stream 414 represents one peak of the examplesample trace illustrated at 467. A secondary bypass channel 498 may beconfigured in accordance with the flow rate of secondary stream 414 whena shuttle 482 is not in the second station in fluid communication withsecondary path 454. In the event that second dimension analyzer 422 is amass spectrometer, the flow rate of secondary stream 414 is preferablyless than one milliliter per minute, and preferably as low as 100microliter per minute. A secondary bypass channel 500 having a lengthand depth of approximately 125 microns may be desirable for such a flowrate. Rotation of rotor 434 to a third station brings shuttle 482 intofluid communication with discharge stream 430. As illustrated in FIG.13, discharge stream 430 may be motivated by discharge supply 426, whichmay include a discharge fluid reservoir 426 a motivated through liquidsampling valve 416 by a pump 426 b. Flow of discharge stream 430 carriesfluid from shuttle 482 in the third position along discharge path 474 towaste 465.

A further rotation of rotor 434 brings shuttle 482 into a fourth stationin fluid communication with a sweep stream 431 along sweep path 474, anddriven by a vacuum pump 491. A flow restrictor 493 may be employed tolimit influx of sweep stream 431 along sweep path 474.

EXAMPLE

An example liquid sampling valve was manufactured with a rotor machinedwith four equally circumaxially-spaced shuttles, each having a shuttlevolume of 500 nanoliters. A stator in accordance with that illustratedin FIGS. 2-4 was secured to the rotor in a sealed, rotatable connection.An acetone primary stream was continuously flowed at a rate 500microliters/minute thorough a primary stator passage set, thus fillingeach shuttle volume as it paused for a dwell period of 5,000milliseconds at the first shuttle station. The sample volume of acetonecontained in each shuttle was transferred to a second shuttle station influid communication with a secondary stator passage set. A secondarystream of methanol was passed through the secondary stator passage setat a continuous flow rate of 500 microliters/minute, such that thevolume of acetone in the shuttle at the second station was transferredinto an ultraviolet detector. The difference in absorbance between theflow of methanol and the absorbance of the 500 nanoliter aliquot samplesof acetone are presented in FIG. 14 as peaks. The following Table 1 setsforth the conditions used in this example.

TABLE 1 Valve Transfer Period (90°) 600 Milliseconds Valve Dwell Period5000 Milliseconds Fluid Transfer Flow Rate 500 uL/min (methanol) FluidFill Flow rate 500 uL/min Shuttle Volume 500 Nanoliters Bypass ChannelDimension 0.005 Inches wide and deep Detector Volume 2.5 uL

The invention has been described herein in considerable detail in orderto comply with the patent statutes, and to provide those skilled in theart with the information needed to apply the novel principles and toconstruct and use embodiments of the invention as required. However, itis to be understood that various modifications to the describedembodiments may be accomplished without departing from the scope of theinvention itself.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid sampling valve for transferring a liquidsample from a primary stream to a secondary stream, said valvecomprising: a stator having a stator face, a primary stator passageextending along a primary path through said stator and opening to saidstator face through a first primary port, an inlet secondary statorpassage extending along a secondary path through said stator and openingto said stator face through a first port, an outlet secondary statorpassage extending along the secondary path through said stator andopening to said stator face through a second port, an inlet dischargepassage extending along a discharge path through said stator and openingto said stator face through a third port, and an outlet dischargepassage extending along the discharge path through said stator andopening to said stator face through a fourth port; and a rotor having arotor face in fluid-tight contact with said stator face at an interface,said rotor face including a shuttle configured to receive a liquidaliquot in fluid communication with said interface, wherein said rotoris rotatable with respect to said stator about an axis of rotation tosequentially move said shuttle into a plurality of circumaxially spacedstations, a first station aligning said shuttle in fluid communicationwith said primary path at said first primary path port, a second stationaligning said shuttle in fluid communication with said secondary path atsaid first and second ports, and a third station aligning said shuttlein fluid communication with said discharge path at said third and fourthports.
 2. A liquid sampling valve as in claim 1, including an inletsweep passage extending along a sweep path through said stator andopening to said stator face through a fifth port, and an outlet sweeppassage extending along said sweep path through said stator and openingto said stator face through a sixth port, wherein a fourth station ofsaid rotor shuttle aligns said shuttle in fluid communication with saidsweep path at said fifth and sixth ports.
 3. A liquid sampling valve asin claim 1 wherein said rotor is rotatable 360° about said axis ofrotation.
 4. A liquid sampling valve as in claim 1, including aplurality of shuttles circumaxially spaced in said rotor face, whereinsaid shuttles are simultaneously positionable in respective saidstations to align in fluid communication with respective ports of saidstator.
 5. A liquid sampling valve as in claim 4, including first,second, third, and fourth shuttles equally circumaxially spaced aboutsaid axis of rotation.
 6. A liquid sampling valve as in claim 1,including a secondary bypass channel in said stator forming a fluidconnection between said inlet and outlet secondary stator passages.
 7. Aliquid sampling valve as in claim 6, including an outlet primary statorpassage extending along said primary path through said stator andopening to said stator face through a second primary path port.
 8. Aliquid sampling valve as in claim 7, including a primary bypass channelin said stator fluidly connecting said primary stator passage to saidoutlet primary stator passage.
 9. A liquid sampling valve as in claim 8,including a discharge bypass channel in said stator fluidly connectingsaid inlet discharge passage to said outlet discharge passage.
 10. Aliquid sampling valve as in claim 9, including a sweep bypass channel insaid stator fluidly connecting said inlet sweep passage to said outletsweep passage.
 11. A liquid sampling system including the liquidsampling valve of claim 1, a primary stream supply delivering theprimary stream to said primary stator passage along the primary path, asecondary stream supply delivering the secondary stream to said inletsecondary stator passage along the secondary path, and a dischargestream supply driving a discharge from said liquid sampling valve.
 12. Aliquid sampling system as in claim 11 wherein said primary stream supplyincludes a first liquid chromatography system having a first liquidreservoir containing a first liquid, a liquid chromatography column, afirst liquid pump for pumping the first liquid through the liquidchromatography column and along the primary path, and a chromatographicdetector.
 13. A liquid sampling system as in claim 12 wherein saidsecondary stream supply includes a second liquid reservoir containing asecond liquid and a second liquid pump for pumping the second liquidthrough the liquid sampling valve along the secondary path.
 14. A liquidsampling system as in claim 13 wherein said discharge stream supplyincludes a third liquid reservoir containing a third liquid, and a thirdliquid pump for pumping the third liquid through the liquid samplingvalve along the discharge path, the third liquid being different fromthe second liquid.
 15. A method for transferring a liquid sample from aprimary stream to a secondary stream for analysis of the liquid samplein the secondary stream, said method comprising: (a) providing a liquidsampling valve having: (i) a stator with a stator face, a primary statorpassage extending along a primary path through said stator and openingto said stator face, an inlet secondary stator passage extending along asecondary path through said stator and opening to said stator face, anoutlet secondary stator passage extending along the secondary paththrough said stator and opening to said stator face, an inlet dischargepassage extending along a discharge path and opening to said statorface, and an outlet discharge passage extending along the discharge pathand opening to said stator face; and (ii) a rotor having a rotor face influid-tight contact with said stator face, said rotor face including ashuttle; (b) delivering the primary stream along the primary paththrough said primary stator passage to fill said shuttle with the liquidsample; (c) rotating said rotor about an axis of rotation to bring saidshuttle into fluid communication with said inlet and outlet secondarystator passages, and out of fluid communication with said primary statorpassage; (d) delivering the secondary stream along the secondary path totransport the liquid sample with the secondary stream out from saidshuttle from said outlet secondary passage; and (e) rotating said rotorabout said axis of rotation to bring said shuttle into fluidcommunication with said inlet and outlet discharge passages, and out offluid communication with said inlet and outlet secondary statorpassages.
 16. A method as in claim 15, including discharging liquid fromsaid shuttle through said outlet discharge passage.
 17. A method as inclaim 16, including delivering a discharge stream along a discharge pathto transport discharge liquid out from said shuttle through said outletdischarge passage.
 18. A method as in claim 17, including rotation saidrotor 360° about said axis of rotation.
 19. A method as in claim 18,including further rotating said rotor about said axis of rotation tobring said shuttle into fluid communication with inlet and outlet sweeppassages extending through said stator along a sweep path.
 20. A methodas in claim 19, including applying a vacuum to said shuttle along saidsweep path.